BRUTON: Leaders must step up to help replace graduates, injured players

THE VITALSCoach | Tracy Harrod (fifth year at Bruton, 30-15; 10th year overall, 52-53)2011 | 5-5, 4-5 (sixth)Last playoff appearance | 2010Division | 3SCHEDULEAug. 24 | Greensville (W, 28-0), 7Sept. 7 | at Smithfield (W, 14-0), 7Sept. 14 | Lafayette, (L, 20-14), 7Sept. 21 | Grafton (L, 35-7), 7Sept. 28 | at Warhill (L, 9-7), 7Oct. 5 | Tabb (W, 52-27), 7Oct. 12 | Jamestown (W, 26-6), 7*Oct. 19 | York (L, 27-16), 7Oct. 26 | at Poquoson (L, 20-9, 7Nov. 2 | at New Kent (W, 22-14), 7*Away game at Cooley FieldTHE STANDOUTSKapri DoucetJr. | 6-2 | 200 | RB/CBAn all-district defensive back as a freshman and sophomore, the Panthers will vastly increase their use of his speed, strength and instincts as a ball-carrier this season.Bilal WallaceJr. | 6-3 | 195 | QBShowed promise and a strong arm in leading the Panthers to wins their first two games last season, but sat out the final seven with an injury.Kajoun JohnsonSr. | 5-10 | 180 | RB/LBTough, fast and strong, and with four years experience, he' as knowledgeable as any Panther on either side of the ball.THE STORYLINESFootball only for Tracy Harrod.Harrod resigned as athletic director, so there will be no tug of war on his time visa via football preparations. That might be the edge that pushes the Panthers back in the playoffs, which they barely missed a year ago.Leaders must step up.In lineman Nick Cawthon, linebacker De'Arius Olvis and RB/LB Brent Spencer, the Panthers lost three huge talents who played significant roles on the 2009 state runner-up. With LB/RB Scott Frazier sidelined by a knee injury, their leadership will be missed all the more.Going out with a bang.Bruton, one of the state's smallest Division 3 schools, moves next year into Class 2A with schools of similar enrollment. The Panthers would love to take it to the bigger boys in AA D-3, similar to 2009, before moving on.FIRST PLAYOFF TEAMTabb's stunning loss to York in the regular season finale opened the door for the Panthers to win the 1985 York River District title. They lost 41-7 to Sussex in the regional semis.